UPDATE: Auction now closed, and decent amount raised for the charity!

Thanks to Rosemary Breen, Syd Barrett's sister, this wonderful mosaic (shown to the right) by Syd Barrett and titled "Two warriors", is now being auctioned on eBay in order to raise funds for the Syd Barrett Trust.

This is thought to be the only mosaic ever completed by Syd. It is an early work, probably made in the early 60s. The mosaic has never been out of possession of the Barrett family and is is only now going on sale in order to help raise funds to establish the Syd Barrett Centre for Arts in Mental Health in Syd's hometown of Cambridge.

Our friend Mark Blake's book, "Comfortably Numb: The Inside Story Of Pink Floyd" (titled "Pigs Might Fly" in the UK) has been very well received by the Floyd community.

Drawing on his own interviews with all of the band members, plus almost a hundred new interviews with the group's friends, road crew, producers, designers, former housemates and university colleagues, the book is from our perspective, a superb, incredibly detailed, and essential look at the band's history. Our review, and ordering information, here.

Mark was recently running a prize draw to give away 15 signed copies of the US paperback edition, via his website - www.markrblake.com. The draw is now closed, and many of those entering came from Brain Damage. So, the question is: were you one of the lucky ones? We've got the list of winners here for you to find out!

The 8th Annual Cinema For Peace Gala takes place this coming Monday, February 9th, at Berlin's Konzerthaus, and amongst the people taking part is Roger Waters, it was announced yesterday.

The gala honours the most significant films of the year, and this year focuses on ecological awareness and the preservation of our environment; tolerance and peace in the time of war and natural disasters; and social commitment.

The evening is said to feature a special performance by Laureate Roger Waters alongside German band Söhne Mannheims. The organisers say that they will "offer their take on 'The Wall' and 'Wish You Were Here'" [presumably it will be 'Another Brick' that will be performed].

More information on the gala can be found at www.CinemaForPeace.com.

UPDATE, February 10th: Despite the announcement by the organisers, Roger did not (and apparently had no intention to) perform. He did, however, attend the awards ceremony where he was honoured.

STORY UPDATED, Feb 5th: Contrary to previous reports, the March 2009 issue of the US magazine Guitar World will NOT have a CD-ROM including a video look at the making of The Black Strat replica. Whilst an announcement to that effect was made, it's been confirmed to us that it isn't actually happening.

In the meantime, you'll have to content yourself with Phil Talyor's excellent book about The Black Strat, which really deserves a spot on any Floyd fan's bookshelves! More details, and our review, of the book itself can be read here...